Today, as Ghana marks its 40th National Farmers’ Day, the General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) is urging the nation to recognize and address the pressing challenges facing farmers. 

In a speech commemorating the occasion, GAWU General Secretary Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe called for comprehensive support from both government and political parties, underscoring the essential role of farmers, food processors, and other agricultural workers in sustaining the country’s food supply.

Despite the vital contributions of food crop producers, many farmers remain among Ghana’s poorest, with their livelihoods threatened by challenges such as climate change, post-harvest losses, and the growing impact of illegal mining activities, known as “galamsey.”

These issues, GAWU argues, demand immediate government action to protect the livelihoods and dignity of those working in agriculture.

GAWU highlighted the following areas as key priorities for supporting the sector:

Combating Illegal Mining (Galamsey): Illegal mining continues to devastate farming communities, contaminating water sources and degrading farmland.

GAWU called on the government to uphold its promises to organized labour by implementing decisive actions to curb “galamsey” activities, which not only endanger the environment but also the health and safety of farmers and their families.

Improving Occupational Safety and Health: Acknowledging that farming is a hazardous yet essential occupation, GAWU urged the government to promote safety measures and decent working conditions in the agricultural sector.

Providing farmers with protections for safe work environments, GAWU stressed this would preserve the dignity and well-being of those sustaining Ghana’s food security.

Adopting Climate-Resilient Practices: Under the theme of this year’s Farmers’ Day, “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” GAWU called for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural methods.

The union advocated for quality, drought-resistant seeds, improved soil and land management, integrated pest management, and an expansion of irrigation infrastructure in collaboration with the Irrigation Development Authority.

These steps, they emphasized, are essential for bolstering productivity and food security in the face of changing climate patterns.

Ensuring Safe Pesticide Use: To protect both farmers and the wider population, GAWU urged the government to enforce stricter regulations on pesticide transportation and application.

Proper oversight, they argued, will reduce the health risks posed by chemical exposure to farmers and the communities they serve.

GAWU also acknowledged the critical role played by agricultural extension officers who, through their support and training, help improve farming practices and move Ghana closer to food self-sufficiency.

The union pledged continued advocacy for policies that would lift farmers out of poverty and provide fair, decent treatment for their essential work.

In conclusion, GAWU encouraged Ghanaians to embrace the ethos of “producing what we eat and eating what we grow,” calling for a national commitment to sustaining local agriculture and ensuring a secure future for the sector.